Mistrial Declared In Roosen Case

After two days of deliberation, the jury in the Paul Roosen murder trial informed Judge Edd Dawson they were divided on a verdict. Dawson declared a mistrial.

The jury went into deliberation about 2 p.m., Friday, and informed the judge at 8:15 p.m. they were evenly.

At about 4:15 p.m. Monday, the jury notified the judge they were still evenly divided on a verdict and further deliberation would not change the outcome.

The case was prosecuted by Jeff Sandler of Pinal County due to a conflict with the Gila County Attorney's Office. Roosen was arrested and charged with the murder of Calista Wright Feb. 11, 2000. Wright was shot and killed in her Star Valley home. Her husband, Garrett, told authorities that Roosen entered the Wright's bedroom and opened fire on him and then fired at Mrs. Wright as she opened the bathroom door.

Further details were unavailable from the Gila County Attorney's Office at press time.